BY THEIR JOY, YOU WILL KNOW THEM

There is turmoil in the world today. That’s hardly news. There always has been. Each generation defines itself in that turmoil. It’s painful. It provokes anxiety. What we do with that is what counts.

I recently attended a social gathering with other BPNN volunteers. They are older, mostly retired. No one would blame them if they lived out their days in peace. They’ve paid their dues. And yet, they show up and perform the vital work of BPNN with distinction and good will. 

They embrace leadership roles. They demand excellence of themselves and those with whom they volunteer. They care deeply about neighbors whose lives are hard and whose needs are increasingly unmet by an economy that leaves them behind in a world that too often looks away.

 It got me thinking about what sets BPNN people apart from a sometimes-cynical world. How are they different from those who simply grumble and carry on? The answer, I think, is one word – joy. BPNN volunteers are committed to joy. Our time is brief; there is so much we can do, so why not be a joyful part of the battle for good? BPNN volunteers get that. 

There is no creed or oath to swear to volunteer at BPNN. But if there were, it might be: 

We seek the world that can be, not the one that is. 
We see heroism, not failings, in others. 
We strive to be our best selves, not settling for mediocrity. 
We are joyful and kind, for there’s already too much fear and sadness in the world.

Thank you for all you do to make the world better. Thank you for sharing your joy.